Nigerian Army Confirms Raid on Gentle De Yahoo’s Hideout, Second-in-Command, Others Killed, Says Gang Leader’s Fate Unknown

The Nigerian Army has confirmed a commando-style operation on the residence of the suspected gang leader known as “Gentle De Yahoo” in Aku, Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. The raid was carried out by troops of the 34 Brigade under the 82 Division in Owerri.

Gentle De Yahoo is the feared commander of the so-called “Unknown Gunmen” gang, which has been linked to violent attacks in Imo State and other parts of the South-East. While initial reports suggested he was captured, the Army has not yet confirmed whether he was killed or managed to escape during the operation.

According to the Army, the troops executed the mission on foot to avoid detection, trekking for nearly four hours before reaching Gentle’s residence. Upon surrounding the building, the soldiers came under heavy fire from gang members positioned on the roof, prompting them to return fire and set the building ablaze.

The raid resulted in multiple casualties among the gang. The Army confirmed the deaths of Gentle De Yahoo’s second-in-command, two female fighters, and two male fighters. The identities of the male corpses recovered remain unverified, leaving uncertainty over whether Gentle De Yahoo was among those killed.

The Army emphasized that the operation dealt a significant blow to the gang and assured that confirmation of the gang leader’s fate will be provided in due course. Residents of the area expressed relief at the deaths of the gang’s key members, noting that the group had long terrorized the community.